Tassaa Bareesh, a matriarch in the Hutt crime cartel, is holding an auction that’s drawing attention from across the galaxy. Representatives of both the Republic and the Sith Empire are present, along with a Jedi Padawan sent to investigate, a disenfranchised trooper drummed out of the Republic’s elite Blackstar Squad, and a mysterious Mandalorian with a private agenda.

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Publisher's Summary

BioWare and LucasArts—creators of the hugely popular Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic video game—have combined their storytelling talents and cutting-edge technology for an innovative new massively multiplayer online role-playing game that allows players to create their own personal Star Wars adventure 3,500 years before the rise of Darth Vader.

Now, number-one New York Times best-selling author Sean Williams brings the world of the game to life in his latest novel, Star Wars: The Old Republic: Fatal Alliance.

Tassaa Bareesh, a matriarch in the Hutt crime cartel, is holding an auction that’s drawing attention from across the galaxy. Representatives of both the Republic and the Sith Empire are present, along with a Jedi Padawan sent to investigate, a disenfranchised trooper drummed out of the Republic’s elite Blackstar Squad, and a mysterious Mandalorian with a private agenda. But the Republic’s envoy is not what he seems, the Empire’s delegate is a ruthless Sith apprentice, the Jedi Padawan is determined to do the right thing and terrified that he can’t, the trooper hopes to redeem her reputation, and the Mandalorian is somehow managing to keep one step ahead of everyone.

None of these guests—invited or uninvited—have any intention of participating in the auction. Instead they plan to steal the prize, which is locked inside an impregnable vault: two burned chunks of an exploded star cruiser, one of which may hold the key to the wealth of an entire world.

But the truth about the treasure is dangerous and deadly. And in the end, Sith and Jedi, Republic and Empire, must do something they’ve never done before, something that all the agents of good and evil could never make them do: join together to stop a powerful threat that could destroy the galaxy.

What the Critics Say

"This novel is tied in to the Star Wars universe at a stage in its history that is still being explored in print fiction, and it is also the prequel to what promises to be the largest, most ambitious electronic role-playing game yet to be spun off of that universe. With so much riding on its shoulders, the book demands an unusual gift for cracking-good space opera, and that Williams possesses in full measure." (Booklist)

I found Fatal Alliance a joy to listen to. I especially appreciated the author's combination of characters, combat, and modern science fiction tropes that helped create a fascinating tale. For me, the inclusion of the Jedi and Sith masters and the story surrounding them was an unexpected highlight of the book. The book was full of great moments, interesting characters, and intriguing story arcs throughout.

Notable Points: The author did such an great job with the Mandalorian. The character was a great addition and helped keep the action moving. I also enjoyed the Sith arc and was impressed with the way the author portrayed the Master/apprentice relationship. The Jedi/Commando/Smuggler story arc was also a breath of fresh air that allowed for some entertaining interactions. A surprise came from my interest in the story of the imperial spy and the additional dynamic his tale brought to the story. The author's ability to combine so many interesting characters, in addition to a great storyline, was an experience I didn't expect from a Star Wars novel.

Questionable Points: As the book approached the end, there is a moment when the Sith meets the source of the android threat. The interaction of the Sith, the source of the android threat, and the Sith's master was written well but felt a bit generic. This portion did not take up much time overall, but was a main plot point and could have been handled with the same unique care other plot points in the book were given. This was pretty much my only disappointment, but only because it was a tad predictable/traditional in execution.

Fatal Alliance is a excellent example of what a great science fiction book should be and a wonderful piece of storytelling.

I enjoyed this audiobook immensely. The story couldn't be more true to the good old Star Wars theme and is quite captivating, but the audio experience was what blew me away. The reading, the sound effects and the music - everything just came together perfectly in exciting and enjoyable experience, that kept me hoping that the story would never end.

I highly recommend this for any Star Wars fan, willing to be immersed in an epic story all over the galaxy far far away. True Star Wars!

Descent story line. I agree with other reviewers that it starts out slow and picks up toward the end. Marc Thompson does an awesome job of bringing the story to life with multiple voices and the effects are just enough. If you've listened to Mr. Thompson's other readings of the Fate of the Jedi and Legacy of the Force series' it will take a little getting used to the slight reuse of the voices from other characters in those series. Overall, an excellent experience and a good use of a credit.

This is a wonderfully read Star Wars Book. The production is top notch. The Marc Thompson was fantastic with all the voices and accents. If you love Star Wars check this book out. There are no main characters in this story. I think they are gearing up for the Video MMO game by Bioware. If the production value was not there then this would have been a 3 star. Nice job Marc Thompson.

If you're someone that has to experience the entire Star Wars catalog, then you may want to listen to this, otherwise I couldn't really recommend it. It's not terrible, but there are much better sci-fi books. The story seems to drag on most of the time. Even the action sequences seem to get boring after awhile. The core story is interesting enough, as it unfolds kinda like a mystery novel. But unlike a good mystery, the ending didn't have an amazing revelation. Also, the last chapter, what I would consider the prologue, was unnecessarily long.

In contrast to the story, Marc Thompson was an excellent reader. Also, the production quality was excellent. Some people might not like all the sound effects, but I thought they really added to the atmosphere of the story.

I highly recommend this fantastic audio production.
It features an engaging story and great characters. The audio production itself is impressive.
Marc Thompson does a tremendous job and the sound effects and music provide great support.
I hope a sequel is on its way. In the meantime I will be looking for other Star Wars titles read by Marc Thompson.
I'd like to thank the author, the narrator and the whole audible team for this great experience.

The story is good especially if you are a star wars fan but what really makes it worth listening is Marc Thompson. Along with the special effects and music this was a very enjoyable book because of the way Marc portrays in fact almost makes you believe you are listening to different characters. I am currently listening to this one again right after I just finished it I enjoyed it that much!!!

An original plot, fast paced action and a few key engaging characters. Interesting to get a view of a different balance in the star wars political world. Is held back from 5 stars due to a number of flat, wooden and pointless characters who confuse the plot and hold the flow back and a lack of original imagination in adding new elements to the star wars universe.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Christopher

Nelson, Lancashire, United Kingdom

7/28/10

Overall

"Decent, enjoyable listen"

I think this is a good introduction to a new Star Wars era. Despite no familiar charactres to work with, the author does a good job of introducing and making the characters interesting and that makes the story work out well

Its well written to my mind, this particular writer has a style or uses a style of telling the same time period from different viewpoints one after the other, which works out well.

I won't spoil the story particularly, but here you will find as in the latest Fate of the Jedi books that the Sith form a significant and important part of the story and are characterised well. Recommended.

1 of 2 people found this review helpful

dbroadway87

7/14/15

Overall

Performance

Story

"Great audiobook! Very well read !"

A very enjoyable audiobook, a great story and very well told ! The author paints an excellent picture of the characters and locations that are further brought to life by the reader and the sound effects throughout.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Athos

6/30/15

Overall

Performance

Story

"It was passable"

Is there anything you would change about this book?

As far as Star Wars novels go, this is not the finest. It just needed a better story and characters, simple as that.

What was most disappointing about Sean Williams’s story?

It just wasn't a particularly interesting story, and being set so long in the past didn't help.

Which scene did you most enjoy?

I can't remember, none stick out really.

Was Star Wars: The Old Republic: Fatal Alliance worth the listening time?

Only if you are a big Star Wars fan, and even then, not particularly.

Any additional comments?

I'd skip to the second book in the series, much better.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Adam

2/24/15

Overall

Performance

Story

"Tidy"

Can't get enough of these right now, fallen firmly back in love with Star wars recently thanks to the beauties.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

J. Thomas

10/14/14

Overall

Performance

Story

"Intense & Engaging Story From The Old Republic Era"

Where does Star Wars: The Old Republic: Fatal Alliance rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

As my 1st Sci-Fi Audiobook, the best! I would measure any other Sci-Fi Novels, especially Star Wars Novels against this book.

What other book might you compare Star Wars: The Old Republic: Fatal Alliance to, and why?

None just yet, as I need to read and listen to more Sci-Fi books, but I would compare the story and performance to any one of the Star Wars Movies.

Which character – as performed by Marc Thompson – was your favourite?

Shigar Konshi, a Kiffar Jedi Padawan under the tutelage of Jedi Grand Master Satele Shan. Marc Thompson's performances for all the characters were top notch but I was mostly intrigued and connected to the character of 'Shigar Konshi'. One 'meeting' sets him on a journey that truly expresses the character's thoughts, feelings and actions in every way and listening to this journey unfold in this audiobook is amazing!

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No, for me listening to it in stages helped me to anticipate the next part of the story. Which made it more exciting.

Any additional comments?

For any Star Wars fans interested in 'The Old Republic Era', the events of this book are set near the end of 'The Cold War' between the Galactic Republic & the Sith Empire, one year (3643 BBY(means Before the Battle Of Yavin) before resumed hostilities between the two sides in the 2nd Galactic War (3644 BBY).

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

James

HALESOWEN, United Kingdom

4/7/13

Overall

"very good star wars audio book"

it is a very good star wars audio book. the story is very good with well described characters. like most star wars auydiobooks there is really good sound effects.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Stuart

Southampton, United Kingdom

6/12/11

Overall

"Possibly the worst Star Wars Book I have read"

I found this book very dull and could not finish it. The characters are two dimentional and uninteresting. I have read many Star Wars books and would recommend The Truce at Bakura, The Jedi Academy Trilogy and the Thrawn Trilogy as good books over this one. Unfortunatly Audible only have these as Abridged books.

Also note that this audiobook has sound effects which I did not enjoy and found distracting.

1 of 3 people found this review helpful

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